Handling & Grooming
Handling and grooming your bunny will become easier over time as its trust in you grows. Spend lots of time on the ground, let the bunny sniff you, climb on you and sit with you. Stroke your bunny while it eats meals but don't force it if your bunny moves away.
Rabbits hate being picked up as it is not natural for them to be above the ground. If you have a baby bunny regular handling will teach it that it is a tolerable experience.
To pick up your bunny put one hand under its front legs, one hand under its hind quarters and lift it towards your chest. Some rabbits prefer to hide their face under their handler's arm. Don't be too firm as this can cause injury and never pick your bunny up by the ears.
Grooming prevents your bunny from swallowing too much loose hair. Rabbits frequently moult, so it is a good idea to brush your bunny every week, although long haired varieties need daily brushing. They are not capable of vomiting and swallowed fur can cause a dangerous blockage in their bowels. Providing plenty of hay will help to avoid this situation.
Indoor bunnies will also need their nails clipped around once a month to keep them short and healthy. Each nail has a vein within it called a quick - your vet will be able to show you how to clip the nails, avoiding the quick and therefore preventing pain and bleeding.
As part of your bunny's grooming routine check its fur for mites and make sure its ears are clear and clean.